messages for: English Roadster Discussions

Several months ago I purchased and resurrected a well used but well cared for 1961 Raleigh Superbe roadster (4 speed FG Dynohub w/front and rear lights, 28" Dunlop stainless steel rims, locking front fork, rod brakes, chaincase, etc.)I have several questions about it and its care:1. It came with a very comfortable, rubber Dunlop seat that looks very much like a Brooks leather seat. It's in great shape and has a patina consistent with the bike's age, but is it original equipment?2. Same question for the pump. It's black plastic and shows wear consistent with the bike's age. It says "Made in France" at the very top. If it's not original, who would have made the original pump that came with the bike? Raleigh? Bluemels?3. As is typical with bikes of that age, some of the chrome has worn off in many tiny spots along the handlebars, rod brakes, clips that hold cables to the frame etc. I cleaned off the rust with fine non-metallic abrasive and waxed those parts. Is there a better way to keep the rust from reappearing?

By the way, for those of you who have a locking front fork but don't have a key, I have a source for them.

Thanks very much for your help.Ron by: 68.122.70.164

Replies:RE:ENGLISH ROADSTERS: Original Equipment on '61 Raleigh Superbeposted by nat on 1/27/2010 at 9:34:15 PM

hmm I've a dunlop seat on my 51 raleigh - I don't think it's contemporary to the bike though it's a fine piece of rubber - a brooks b72 shape but with three coil springs by: 155.144.40.31

Ron,Nothing on a Raleigh in those days would have been made in France, or anywhere else except for Nottingham. They made most of it in-house. The pumps were made, I think, by Bluemels, and were typically plastic, the same color as the bike, and with a Sir Walter insignia, and often "R-I" for Raleigh Industries. I have a spare red one here, but that's no good for a green cycle! by: 216.153.152.113